NinhBinh Excursion 2 Days

Meet our Joyful Vietnam Travel’s knowledge, experienced tour guide and friendly driver at your hotel then depart from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, located in the marshy Red River Delta, featuring a network of waterways coupled with spectacular limestone formations rising up from rice paddy fields. On arrival, spend about 90 minutes to visit Hang Mua (Mua Cave) – the glamorous “queen” of Trang An. There are 486 white stone steps leading to the peak of the mountain, which is often referred to image of a mini Great Wall. On both edges of the stairs, there are stone lines that are elaborately decorated with the symbol of dragon or phoenix carved inspired by the Tran dynasty’s art. Standing on top of Hang Mua, you will be surely impressive with the magnificent landscape and panorama views down to the Tam Coc area.
Transfer to your hotel for checking in, take rest and have lunch at a local restaurant with local specialties (on your own account).
Afternoon, board your private sampan boat from Tam Coc Town for the ninety minute cruise along the Ngo Dong River. Pass through the three caves named Hang Ca, Hang Giua and Hang Cuoi that made Vietnam famous in the French film ‘Indochine’. During the rowing boat ride, you will enjoy a unique landscape that has been dubbed “Halong Bay on Land”. Conclude your day with a visit to Thai Vi Temple, a must-see place in Tam Coc Town. It has long been well-known not only as a cultural historical relic but also an evidence of stone carving art of Ninh Binh’s sculptors.
Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Meals: N/A.
Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then visit Bai Dinh Pagoda complex, one of the largest pagodas not only in Vietnam but also in Southeast Asia. This place is scenically set on the foothill of Dinh Mountain, surrounded by amazing views of the exquisite river valley below, and dotted with limestone karsts, which will take your breath away. The pagoda complexes stunningly boast an array of the most massive and magnificent refined Vietnamese architecture, which will take a full day to explore. With sacred atmospheres and an intriguing Buddhism story told by your guide, you cannot fail to be enchanted. Some of the highlights are:
– 500 stone statues of “La Han” (Arhats),
– Two huge bronze bells, one weighs 27 tons, the other 36 tons,
– Three bronze statues of “Tam The” (50 tons each).
The visit ends with a walk up the summit mountain to see the 100 ton bronze statue of Buddha Sakyamuni and a chance to enjoy the panoramic view of the picturesque landscape dotted with limestone mountains.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you will leave for the Trang An Grottoes, a UNESCO-listed series of grottoes carved from the region’s striking natural monoliths of limestone, which rises dramatically out from the rice paddy fields. Deep among the towering mountains, are pristine places of mystical valleys, numerous fresh water ponds, and jungle. Embark on a traditional sampan gently rowed down the exquisite river through four caves. Enjoy the sunset over the lime karsts while cruising on the clear water back to the main tourist boat terminal.
Afterwards, transfer back to Hanoi. Tour concludes.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: N/A.